TITLE:
Effect of TB Therapy on the Health and Nutritional Status of Infants Aged 6 Months to 5 Years Diagnosed with Latent TB
AUTHORS:
Kasai Emmanuel Tebandite, Kampunzu Véronique Muyobela, Mukunda François Lusamaki, Bukaka Gaspard Mande, Gwendiza Jean Mopepe, Sadiki Dady Falay, Likele Bibi Batoko, Oloma Antoine Tshomba, Dauly Nestor Ngbonda, Opara Jean Pierre Alworong’a, Justin Ntokamunda Kadima
KEYWORDS:
Tuberculosis, Infants, Treatment, Symptoms, Nutritional Status, Kisangani
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Tuberculosis Research,
Vol.6 No.4,
October
12,
2018
ABSTRACT: Background: Infants with latent tuberculosis are often subject to high morbidity, nutritional deficiency and mortality. Early treatment can prevent the onset of TB by reducing morbidity and improving nutritional status. This paper assessed whether preventive chemotherapy for TB can improve health and nutritional status of infants diagnosed with latent TB in Kisangani City. Method: Children diagnosed TB+ by tuberculin skin test and other clinical examinations were treated with Rifampicin, Isoniazid, Pyrazinamide and Ethambutol. Clinical symptoms and nutritional status were determined before to start treatment and at the 5th month of treatment. Results: Out of 161 infants treated, 73 (45.3%) were 37°C) was 62.7% before treatment and 17.4% at the 5th month of treatment; the difference was statistically significant (p Conclusion: Treatment of infants diagnosed of latent TB prevents TB disease and improves nutritional status, but not in all cases. Control of fever and weight gain can be an indicator of good outcome in poor health care settings.